Guanaco in Valdes Peninsula and Patagonia

The guanacos (Lama guanicoe) are mammals relatives of llamas belonging to the order of the camel, bear with humility the title of being the largest terrestrial vertebrates from Patagonia. This beautiful species, was before the arrival of white men, a key ally for the survival of the indigenous inhabitants of Patagonia, providing meat as food and skin as coat.

With the settlement and development of the area, new animals arrived, one of them was the sheep so that they can raise and sell used inventions such as fences, private property and the consequent fragmentation of land.

The guanaco, he was moved by this strategy of sheep and wool production was significantly decreased in number. Two of the main features of the guanaco is living in flocks of dozens of individuals and are herbivores. Valdes Peninsula is a unique wildlife refuge, where hunting is prohibited, this successful law allowed over the years the number of guanacos is much higher than the rest of Patagonia.

Guanaco wool is also marketable, but only a few cattle ranches, are prepared for this undertaking, in the rest of Patagonia. Primarily because the guanaco need large spaces for food and is able to jump over a common fence without difficulty. That's why if you visit Valdes Peninsula is likely to see cross the road.